Among the Blue Jays, the situation is clear: it takes one more outfielder.
Right now, if the season were to start today, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. would be on the left and outfielders Kevin Kiermaier and George Springer would split center. Springer can also play on the right and he will need games like DH.
So it takes one more guy for the stick, not to have Kiermaier every day, but also to make sure you have an insurance policy when Springer gets hurt.
It’s not an if, but a when.
The names that circulate are sometimes those of left fielders. Andrew Benintendi and Michael Brantley, to name a few, play on the left.
Names like Dalton Varsho or Michael Conforto (who play on the right) and Bryan Reynolds (center) are also circulating, however.
If the Jays were to go for a left fielder, it would jeopardize the position of Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Why? Because he has never played anywhere other than on the left in the outfield.
But now the Jays say they are ready to try it on the right if necessary.
I’m not surprised to read that since the Blue Jays like defensive versatility. I do not know if Lourdes would be comfortable on the right, he who is not the best defensively at the base.
Seeing his arm in the right might be interesting though. But above all, if it can help the club, it must be considered… while hoping that it does not destroy their confidence.
